CHAFFINCH. 



SHILFA. S COBBY. SHELLY. SKELLY. 

 SHELL-APPLE. BEECH-FLNCH. TWINZ. SPINK. PINK. 



Fringilla ccekbs, PENNANT. MONTAGU. BEWICK. 



FringiUa, also FrlglllaK Chaffinch. Calebs A Bachelor. 



Tins bird is generally distributed over the European con- 

 tinent, being migratory in those countries which are colder, 

 and stationary in those which are warmer. It is found from 

 the Levant to the Azores, and from Denmark, Norway, and 

 Sweden to the 'Banks of the Blue Moselle,' and all the other 

 regions of the 'sunny south.' It occurs also on the northern 

 shores of Africa. 



In this country it is one of our most common species, and 

 the male one of the handsomest birds that we have, as will 

 appear from the description. 



In the Orkney Islands it is very common in winter and 

 spring, and most likely breeds there, as several remain 

 throughout the summer. Large flocks occasionally appear in 

 October, especially after easterly gales. 



The Chaffinch is with us in some degree migratory, and 

 is remarkable for the separation, in some parts of the country, 

 of the , males and females, during the winter months, and 

 their collection at that season into separate flocks. Mr. Selby, 

 speaking of this singular habit says, that in the county of 

 Northumberland, and in Scotland, their separation takes place 

 about the month of November; and that from that period 

 till the return of spring, few females are to be seen, and those 

 few always in distinct societies. The males remain, and are 

 met with, during the winter, in immense flocks, feeding with 



